Intestinal Blastocystis is linked to healthier diets and more favorable cardiometabolic outcomes in 56,989 individuals from 32 countries.

Diet impacts human health, influencing body adiposity and the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. The gut microbiome is a key player in the diet-health axis, but while its bacterial fraction is widely studied, the role of micro-eukaryotes, including Blastocystis, is underexplored. We performed a global-scale analysis on 56,989 metagenomes and showed that human Blastocystis exhibits distinct prevalence patterns linked to geography, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Blastocystis presence defined a specific bacterial signature and was positively associated with more favorable cardiometabolic profiles and negatively with obesity (p < 1e-16) and disorders linked to altered gut ecology (p < 1e-8). In a diet intervention study involving 1,124 individuals, improvements in dietary quality were linked to weight loss and increases in Blastocystis prevalence (p = 0.003) and abundance (p < 1e-7). Our findings suggest a potentially beneficial role for Blastocystis, which may help explain personalized host responses to diet and downstream disease etiopathogenesis.

PI(4,5)P(2)-dependent and Ca(2+)-regulated ER-PM interactions mediated by the extended synaptotagmins.

Most available information on endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-plasma membrane (PM) contacts in cells of higher eukaryotes concerns proteins implicated in the regulation of Ca(2+) entry. However, growing evidence suggests that such contacts play more general roles in cell physiology, pointing to the existence of additionally ubiquitously expressed ER-PM tethers. Here, we show that the three extended synaptotagmins (E-Syts) are ER proteins that participate in such tethering function via C2 domain-dependent interactions with the PM that require PI(4,5)P2 in the case of E-Syt2 and E-Syt3 and also elevation of cytosolic Ca(2+) in the case of E-Syt1. As they form heteromeric complexes, the E-Syts confer cytosolic Ca(2+) regulation to ER-PM contact formation. E-Syts-dependent contacts, however, are not required for store-operated Ca(2+) entry. Thus, the ER-PM tethering function of the E-Syts (tricalbins in yeast) mediates the formation of ER-PM contacts sites, which are functionally distinct from those mediated by STIM1 and Orai1.

The ER Stress Sensor PERK Coordinates ER-Plasma Membrane Contact Site Formation through Interaction with Filamin-A and F-Actin Remodeling.

Loss of ER Ca2+ homeostasis triggers endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and drives ER-PM contact sites formation in order to refill ER-luminal Ca2+. Recent studies suggest that the ER stress sensor and mediator of the unfolded protein response (UPR) PERK regulates intracellular Ca2+ fluxes, but the mechanisms remain elusive. Here, using proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID), we identified the actin-binding protein Filamin A (FLNA) as a key PERK interactor. Cells lacking PERK accumulate F-actin at the cell edges and display reduced ER-PM contacts. Following ER-Ca2+ store depletion, the PERK-FLNA interaction drives the expansion of ER-PM juxtapositions by regulating F-actin-assisted relocation of the ER-associated tethering proteins Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1) and Extended Synaptotagmin-1 (E-Syt1) to the PM. Cytosolic Ca2+ elevation elicits rapid and UPR-independent PERK dimerization, which enforces PERK-FLNA-mediated ER-PM juxtapositions. Collectively, our data unravel an unprecedented role of PERK in the regulation of ER-PM appositions through the modulation of the actin cytoskeleton.

HIV-1 Structural Proteins or Cell-Signaling Factors? That Is the Question!

The biological activity of structural HIV-1 proteins is not limited to ensuring a productive viral infection but also interferes with cellular homeostasis through intra- and extracellular signaling activation. This interference induces genomic instability, increases the lifespan of the infected cell by inhibiting apoptosis, and subverts cell senescence, resulting in unrestricted cell proliferation. HIV structural proteins are present in a soluble form in the lymphoid tissues and blood of infected individuals, even without active viral replication. The HIV matrix protein p17, the envelope glycoprotein gp120, the transenvelope protein gp41, and the capsid protein p24 interact with immune cells and deregulate the biological activity of the immune system. The biological activity of HIV structural proteins is also demonstrated in endothelial cells and some tumor cell lines, confirming the ability of viral proteins to promote cell proliferation and cancer progression, even in the absence of active viral replication. This review corroborates the hypothesis that HIV structural proteins, by interacting with different cell types, contribute to creating a microenvironment that is favorable to the evolution of cancerous pathologies not classically related to AIDS.

The redox-active defensive Selenoprotein T as a novel stress sensor protein playing a key role in the pathophysiology of heart failure.

Maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy contributes to the development of heart failure (HF). The oxidoreductase Selenoprotein T (SELENOT) emerged as a key regulator during rat cardiogenesis and acute cardiac protection. However, its action in chronic settings of cardiac dysfunction is not understood. Here, we investigated the role of SELENOT in the pathophysiology of HF: (i) by designing a small peptide (PSELT), recapitulating SELENOT activity via the redox site, and assessed its beneficial action in a preclinical model of HF [aged spontaneously hypertensive heart failure (SHHF) rats] and against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced hypertrophy in rat ventricular H9c2 and adult human AC16 cardiomyocytes; (ii) by evaluating the SELENOT intra-cardiomyocyte production and secretion under hypertrophied stimulation. Results showed that PSELT attenuated systemic inflammation, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage M1 polarization, myocardial injury, and the severe ultrastructural alterations, while counteracting key mediators of cardiac fibrosis, aging, and DNA damage and restoring desmin downregulation and SELENOT upregulation in the failing hearts. In the hemodynamic assessment, PSELT improved the contractile impairment at baseline and following ischemia/reperfusion injury, and reduced infarct size in normal and failing hearts. At cellular level, PSELT counteracted ISO-mediated hypertrophy and ultrastructural alterations through its redox motif, while mitigating ISO-triggered SELENOT intracellular production and secretion, a phenomenon that presumably reflects the extent of cell damage. Altogether, these results indicate that SELENOT could represent a novel sensor of hypertrophied cardiomyocytes and a potential PSELT-based new therapeutic approach in myocardial hypertrophy and HF.

ERα/LKB1 complex upregulates E-cadherin expression and stimulates breast cancer growth and progression upon adiponectin exposure.

Adiponectin is the major adipocytes-secreted protein involved in obesity-related breast cancer growth and progression. We proved that adiponectin promotes proliferation in ERα-positive breast cancer cells, through ERα transactivation and the recruitment of LKB1 as ERα-coactivator. Here, we showed that adiponectin-mediated ERα transactivation enhances E-cadherin expression. Thus, we investigated the molecular mechanism through which ERα/LKB1 complex may modulate the expression of E-cadherin, influencing tumor growth, progression and distant metastasis. We demonstrated that adiponectin increases E-cadherin expression in ERα-positive 2D and higher extent in 3D cultures. This occurs through a direct activation of E-cadherin gene promoter by ERα/LKB1-complex. The impact of E-cadherin on ERα-positive breast cancer cell proliferation comes from the evidence that in the presence of E-cadherin siRNA the proliferative effects of adiponectin is no longer noticeable. Since E-cadherin connects cell polarity and growth, we investigated if the adiponectin-enhanced E-cadherin expression could influence the localization of proteins cooperating in cell polarity, such as LKB1 and Cdc42. Surprisingly, immunofluorescence showed that, in adiponectin-treated MCF-7 cells, LKB1 and Cdc42 mostly colocalize in the nucleus, impairing their cytosolic cooperation in maintaining cell polarity. The orthotopic implantation of MCF-7 cells revealed an enhanced E-cadherin-mediated breast cancer growth induced by adiponectin. Moreover, tail vein injection of MCF-7 cells showed a higher metastatic burden in the lungs of mice receiving adiponectin-treated cells compared to control. From these findings it emerges that adiponectin treatment enhances E-cadherin expression, alters cell polarity and stimulates ERα-positive breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo, sustaining higher distant metastatic burden.

Valproic acid inhibits cell growth in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells by triggering different responses in a cell type-specific manner.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer. Despite the improvement in prevention and in therapy, breast cancer still remains a threat, both for pre- and postmenopausal women, due to the development of drug resistance. To counteract that, novel agents regulating gene expression have been studied in both hematologic and solid tumors. The Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor Valproic Acid (VA), used for epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric diseases, has been demonstrated a strong antitumoral and cytostatic activity. In this study, we tested the effects of Valproic Acid on the signaling pathways involved in breast cancer cells viability, apoptosis and in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production using ER-α positive MCF-7 and triple negative MDA-MB-231 cells. METHODS: Cell proliferation assay was performed by MTT Cell cycle, ROS levels and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, protein levels were detected by Western Blotting. RESULTS: Cell treatment with Valproic Acid reduced cell proliferation and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 and G2/M block in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, in both cells the drug enhanced the generation of ROS by the mitochondria. In MCF-7 treated cells, it has been observed a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, a down regulation of the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2 and an increase of Bax and Bad, leading to release of cytochrome C and PARP cleavage. Less consistent effects are recorded in MDA-MB-231 cells, in which the greater production of ROS, compared to MCF-7cells, involves an inflammatory response (activation of p-STAT3, increased levels of COX2). CONCLUSIONS: Our results have demonstrated that in MCF-7 cells the Valproic Acid is a suitable drug to arrest cell growth, to address apoptosis and mitochondrial perturbations, all factors that are important in determining cell fate and health. In a triple negative MDA-MB 231 cells, valproate directs the cells towards the inflammatory response with a sustained expression of antioxidant enzymes. Overall, the not always unequivocal data between the two cellular phenotypes indicate that further studies are needed to better define the use of the drug, also in combination with other chemotherapy, in the treatment of breast tumors.

Analysis of circulating extracellular vesicle derived microRNAs in breast cancer patients with obesity: a potential role for Let-7a.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of obesity, a known risk factor for several metabolic and chronic diseases, including numerous malignancies, has risen sharply in the world. Various clinical studies demonstrate that excessive Body Mass Index (BMI) may worsen the incidence, prognosis, and mortality rates of breast cancer. Thus, understanding the link tying up obesity and breast cancer onset and progression is critically important, as it can impact patients' survival and quality of life. Recently, circulating extracellular vesicle (EV) derived miRNAs have attracted much attention for their diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential in oncology research. Although the potential role of EV-derived miRNAs in the early detection of breast cancer has been repeatedly mentioned, screening of miRNAs packaged within serum EVs has not yet been reported in patients with obesity. METHODS: Circulating EVs were isolated from normal weight (NW), and overweight/obese (OW/Ob) breast cancer patients and characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), and protein marker expression. Evaluation of EV-associated miRNAs was conducted in a screening (RNA-seq) and a validation (qRT-PCR) cohort. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to uncover significantly enriched biological processes, molecular functions and pathways. ROC and Kaplain-Meier survival analyses were used for clinical significance. RESULTS: Comparison of serum EV-derived miRNAs from NW and OW/Ob patients detected seven differentially expressed miRNAs (let-7a-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-30d-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-4772-3p, and miR-10a-5p) in the screening cohort. GO analysis revealed the enrichment of protein phosphorylation, intracellular signal transduction, signal transduction, and vesicle-mediated transport among the top biological processes. In addition, the target genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to PI3K/Akt, growth hormones, and insulin signalings, which are all involved in obesity-related diseases and/or breast cancer progression. In the validation cohort, qRT-PCR confirmed a significant down-regulation of EV-derived let-7a in the serum of OW/Ob breast cancer patients compared to NW patients. Let-7a levels also exhibited a negative correlation with BMI values. Importantly, decreased let-7a miRNA expression was associated with higher tumor grade and poor survival in patients with breast cancer. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that serum-EV derived miRNAs may reflect a differential profile in relation to a patient's BMI, which, once validated in larger cohorts of patients, could provide insights into novel specific biomarkers and innovative targets to prevent the progression of obesity-mediated breast cancer.

Unraveling the Role of Adiponectin Receptors in Obesity-Related Breast Cancer.

Obesity has a noteworthy role in breast tumor initiation and progression. Among the mechanisms proposed, the most validated is the development of chronic low-grade inflammation, supported by immune cell infiltration along with dysfunction in adipose tissue biology, characterized by an imbalance in adipocytokines secretion and alteration of their receptors within the tumor microenvironment. Many of these receptors belong to the seven-transmembrane receptor family, which are involved in physiological features, such as immune responses and metabolism, as well as in the development and progression of several malignancies, including breast cancer. These receptors are classified as canonical (G protein-coupled receptors, GPCRs) and atypical receptors, which fail to interact and activate G proteins. Among the atypical receptors, adiponectin receptors (AdipoRs) mediate the effect of adiponectin, the most abundant adipocytes-derived hormone, on breast cancer cell proliferation, whose serum levels are reduced in obesity. The adiponectin/AdipoRs axis is becoming increasingly important regarding its role in breast tumorigenesis and as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment. The objectives of this review are as follows: to point out the structural and functional differences between GPCRs and AdipoRs, and to focus on the effect of AdipoRs activation in the development and progression of obesity-dependent breast cancer.

Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. Seed Extract Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in the Androgen Receptor Positive LNCaP Prostate Cancer Cells.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common male cancer. Its incidence derives from the interaction between modifiable and non-modifiable factors. The progression of prostate cancer into a more aggressive phenotype is associated with chronic inflammation and increased ROS production. For their biological properties, some phytochemicals from fruits and vegetable emerge as a promise strategy for cancer progression delay. These bioactive compounds are found in the highest amounts in peels and seeds. Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. (PT) has been widely used in traditional medicine and retains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anticancer effects. The seeds of P. trifoliata were exhaustively extracted by maceration with methanol as the solvent. The cell proliferation rate was performed by MTT and flow cytometry, while the apoptosis signals were analyzed by Western blotting and TUNEL assay. P. trifoliata seed extract reduced LNCaP and PC3 cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1phase and apoptosis. In addition, a reduction in the AKT/mTOR pathway has been observed together with the up-regulation of stress-activated MAPK (p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase). Based on the study, the anti-growth effects of PT seed extract on prostate tumor cells give indications on the potential of the phytochemical drug for the treatment of this type of cancer. However, future in-depth studies are necessary to identify which components are mainly responsible for the anti-neoplastic response.

Cdk4 Regulates Glioblastoma Cell Invasion and Stemness and Is Target of a Notch Inhibitor Plus Resveratrol Combined Treatment.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer characterized by poor patient outcomes. To date, it is believed that the major cause of its recurrence and chemoresistance is represented by the enrichment of GBM stem cells (GSCs) sustained by the abnormal activation of a number of signaling pathways. In this study, we found that in GBM cells, treatment with low toxicity doses of the γ-secretase inhibitor RO4929097 (GSI), blocking the Notch pathway activity, in combination with resveratrol (RSV) was able to reverse the basal mesenchymal phenotype to an epithelial-like phenotype, affecting invasion and stemness interplay. The mechanism was dependent on cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK4), leading to a reduction of paxillin (Pxn) phosphorylation. Consequently, we discovered the reduced interaction of Pxn with vinculin (Vcl), which, during cell migration, transmits the intracellular forces to the extracellular matrix. The exogenous expression of a constitutively active Cdk4 mutant prevented the RSV + GSI inhibitory effects in GBM cell motility/invasion and augmented the expression of stemness-specific markers, as well as the neurosphere sizes/forming abilities in untreated cells. In conclusion, we propose that Cdk4 is an important regulator of GBM stem-like phenotypes and invasive capacity, highlighting how the combined treatment of Notch inhibitors and RSV could be prospectively implemented in the novel therapeutic strategies to target Cdk4 for these aggressive brain tumors.

Role of the Sec22b-E-Syt complex in neurite growth and ramification.

Axons and dendrites are long and often ramified neurites that need particularly intense plasma membrane (PM) expansion during the development of the nervous system. Neurite growth depends on non-fusogenic Sec22b-Stx1 SNARE complexes at endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-PM contacts. Here, we show that Sec22b interacts with members of the extended synaptotagmin (E-Syt) family of ER lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), and this interaction depends on the longin domain of Sec22b. Overexpression of E-Syts stabilizes Sec22b-Stx1 association, whereas silencing of E-Syts has the opposite effect. Overexpression of wild-type E-Syt2, but not mutants unable to transfer lipids or attach to the ER, increase the formation of axonal filopodia and ramification of neurites in developing neurons. This effect is inhibited by a clostridial neurotoxin cleaving Stx1, and expression of the Sec22b longin domain and a Sec22b mutant with an extended linker between the SNARE and transmembrane domains. We conclude that Sec22b-Stx1 ER-PM contact sites contribute to PM expansion by interacting with LTPs, such as E-Syts.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Metformin counteracts stimulatory effects induced by insulin in primary breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic disorders are associated with increased incidence, aggressive phenotype and poor outcome of breast cancer (BC) patients. For instance, hyperinsulinemia is an independent risk factor for BC and the insulin/insulin receptor (IR) axis is involved in BC growth and metastasis. Of note, the anti-diabetic metformin may be considered in comprehensive therapeutic approaches in BC on the basis of its antiproliferative effects obtained in diverse pre-clinical and clinical studies. METHODS: Bioinformatics analysis were performed using the information provided by The Invasive Breast Cancer Cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project. The naturally immortalized BC cell line, named BCAHC-1, as well as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) derived from BC patients were used as model systems. In order to identify further mechanisms that characterize the anticancer action of metformin in BC, we performed gene expression and promoter studies as well as western blotting experiments. Moreover, cell cycle analysis, colony and spheroid formation, actin cytoskeleton reorganization, cell migration and matrigel drops evasion assays were carried out to provide novel insights on the anticancer properties of metformin. RESULTS: We first assessed that elevated expression and activation of IR correlate with a worse prognostic outcome in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC. Thereafter, we established that metformin inhibits the insulin/IR-mediated activation of transduction pathways, gene changes and proliferative responses in BCAHC-1 cells. Then, we found that metformin interferes with the insulin-induced expression of the metastatic gene CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), which we found to be associated with poor disease-free survival in BC patients exhibiting high levels of IR. Next, we ascertained that metformin prevents a motile phenotype of BCAHC-1 cells triggered by the paracrine liaison between tumor cells and CAFs upon insulin activated CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights regarding the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects of metformin in both BC cells and important components of the tumor microenvironment like CAFs. Further investigations are warranted to corroborate the anticancer action of metformin on the tumor mass toward the assessment of more comprehensive strategies halting BC progression, in particular in patients exhibiting metabolic disorders and altered insulin/IR functions.

Chemical targeting of NEET proteins reveals their function in mitochondrial morphodynamics.

Several human pathologies including neurological, cardiac, infectious, cancerous, and metabolic diseases have been associated with altered mitochondria morphodynamics. Here, we identify a small organic molecule, which we named Mito-C. Mito-C is targeted to mitochondria and rapidly provokes mitochondrial network fragmentation. Biochemical analyses reveal that Mito-C is a member of a new class of heterocyclic compounds that target the NEET protein family, previously reported to regulate mitochondrial iron and ROS homeostasis. One of the NEET proteins, NAF-1, is identified as an important regulator of mitochondria morphodynamics that facilitates recruitment of DRP1 to the ER-mitochondria interface. Consistent with the observation that certain viruses modulate mitochondrial morphogenesis as a necessary part of their replication cycle, Mito-C counteracts dengue virus-induced mitochondrial network hyperfusion and represses viral replication. The newly identified chemical class including Mito-C is of therapeutic relevance for pathologies where altered mitochondria dynamics is part of disease etiology and NEET proteins are highlighted as important therapeutic targets in anti-viral research.

Proteomic Profiling of Extracellular Vesicles Released by Leptin-Treated Breast Cancer Cells: A Potential Role in Cancer Metabolism.

Tumor extracellular vesicles (EVs), as endocytic vesicles able to transport nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites in recipient cells, have been recognized fundamental mediators of cell-to-cell communication in breast cancer. The biogenesis and release of EVs are highly regulated processes and both the quantity of EVs and their molecular cargo might reflect the metabolic state of the producing cells. We recently demonstrated that the adipokine leptin, whose circulating levels correlate with adipose tissue expansion, is an inducer of EV release from breast cancer cells. Here, we show a specific proteomic signature of EVs released by MCF-7 breast cancer cells grown in the presence of leptin (Lep-EVs), in attempt to find additional molecular effectors linking obesity to breast cancer biology. An analysis of the proteomic profile of Lep-EVs by LC-MS/MS revealed a significant enrichment in biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components mainly related to mitochondrial machineries and activity, compared to protein content of EVs from untreated breast cancer cells. Metabolic investigations, carried out to assess the autocrine effects of these vesicles on breast cancer cells, revealed that Lep-EVs were able to increase ATP levels in breast cancer cells. This result is associated with increased mitochondrial respiration evaluated by Seahorse analyzer, supporting the concept that Lep-EVs can modulate MCF-7 breast cancer cell oxidative metabolism. Moreover, taking into account the relevance of tumor immune cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment (TME), we analyzed the impact of these vesicles on macrophage polarization, the most abundant immune component in the breast TME. We found that tumor-derived Lep-EVs sustain the polarization of M0 macrophages, derived from the human THP-1 monocytic cells, into M2-like tumor-associated macrophages, in terms of metabolic features, phagocytic activity, and increased expression of CD206-positive population. Overall, our results indicate that leptin by inducing the release of EV-enriched in mitochondrial proteins may control the metabolism of MCF-7 breast cancer cells as well as that of macrophages. Characterization of tumor-derived EV protein cargo in an obesity-associated milieu, such as in the presence of elevated leptin levels, might allow identifying unique features and specific metabolic mechanisms useful to develop novel therapeutic approaches for treatment of breast cancer, especially in obese patients.

ER-plasma membrane contact sites contribute to autophagosome biogenesis by regulation of local PI3P synthesis.

The double-membrane-bound autophagosome is formed by the closure of a structure called the phagophore, origin of which is still unclear. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is clearly implicated in autophagosome biogenesis due to the presence of the omegasome subdomain positive for DFCP1, a phosphatidyl-inositol-3-phosphate (PI3P) binding protein. Contribution of other membrane sources, like the plasma membrane (PM), is still difficult to integrate in a global picture. Here we show that ER-plasma membrane contact sites are mobilized for autophagosome biogenesis, by direct implication of the tethering extended synaptotagmins (E-Syts) proteins. Imaging data revealed that early autophagic markers are recruited to E-Syt-containing domains during autophagy and that inhibition of E-Syts expression leads to a reduction in autophagosome biogenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that E-Syts are essential for autophagy-associated PI3P synthesis at the cortical ER membrane via the recruitment of VMP1, the stabilizing ER partner of the PI3KC3 complex. These results highlight the contribution of ER-plasma membrane tethers to autophagosome biogenesis regulation and support the importance of membrane contact sites in autophagy.

Correlation between pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Selective Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors and maternal and neonatal outcomes: Results from a naturalistic study in patients with affective disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Some studies have linked the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs/SNRIs) to the risk of perinatal complications. This study explored the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics, SSRIs/SNRIs tolerability and effectiveness and maternal and newborn outcomes. METHODS: Fifty-five pregnant women with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) diagnoses of affective disorders, treated with SSRIs/SNRIs, were recruited and, during the third trimester, their blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic analyses. Plasma levels and metabolic phenotypes were then related to different obstetrical and maternal outcomes. RESULTS: The pharmacokinetic data were more stable for Sertraline, Citalopram, and Escitalopram compared to other molecules (p = 0.009). The occurrence of postnatal adaptation syndrome onset was associated with higher plasma levels for Sertraline (median at delivery: 16.7 vs. 10.5 ng/ml), but not for fluoxetine and venlafaxine. Finally, the subgroup within range plasma concentrations had less blood loss than the below range subgroup (p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma levels of Sertraline, Citalopram and Escitalopram were more frequently in range in late pregnancy when compared to other drugs. Drug plasma concentrations do not strictly correlate with worse perinatal outcomes, but with possible differences between the different drugs.

Toward Multitasking Pharmacological COX-Targeting Agents: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Prodrugs with Antiproliferative Effects.

The antitumor activity of certain anti-inflammatory drugs is often attributed to an indirect effect based on the inhibition of COX enzymes. In the case of anti-inflammatory prodrugs, this property could be attributed to the parent molecules with mechanism other than COX inhibition, particularly through formulations capable of slowing down their metabolic conversion. In this work, a pilot docking study aimed at comparing the interaction of two prodrugs, nabumetone (NB) and its tricyclic analog 7-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]naphthalen-1-one (MC), and their common active metabolite 6-methoxy-2-naphthylacetic acid (MNA) with the COX binding site, was carried out. Cytotoxicity, cytofluorimetry, and protein expression assays on prodrugs were also performed to assess their potential as antiproliferative agents that could help hypothesize an effective use as anticancer therapeutics. Encouraging results suggest that the studied compounds could act not only as precursors of the anti-inflammatory metabolite, but also as direct antiproliferative agents.

Leptin Receptor as a Potential Target to Inhibit Human Testicular Seminoma Growth.

Although in past decades the adipokine leptin and its own receptor have been considered as significant cancer biomarkers, their potential involvement in human testicular seminoma growth and progression remains unexplored. Here, we showed that the expression of leptin and its receptor was significantly higher in human testicular seminoma compared with normal adult testis. Human seminoma cell line TCam-2 also expressed leptin along with the long and short isoforms of leptin receptor, and in response to leptin treatment showed enhanced activation of its downstream effectors. In line with these results, leptin stimulation significantly increased the proliferation and migration of TCam-2 cells. Treatment of TCam-2 cells with the peptide Leu-Asp-Phe-Ile (LDFI), a full leptin-receptor antagonist, completely reversed the leptin-mediated effects on cell growth and motility as well as reduced the expression of several leptin-induced target genes. More importantly, the in vivo xenograft experiments showed that LDFI treatment markedly decreased seminoma tumor growth. Interestingly, LDFI-treated tumors showed reduced levels of the proliferation marker Ki-67 as well as decreased expression of leptin-regulated genes. Taken together, these data identify, for the first time, leptin as a key factor able to affect testicular seminoma behavior, highlighting leptin receptor as a potential target for novel potential treatments in this type of cancer.

Identification of MOSPD2, a novel scaffold for endoplasmic reticulum membrane contact sites.

Membrane contact sites are cellular structures that mediate interorganelle exchange and communication. The two major tether proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), VAP-A and VAP-B, interact with proteins from other organelles that possess a small VAP-interacting motif, named FFAT [two phenylalanines (FF) in an acidic track (AT)]. In this study, using an unbiased proteomic approach, we identify a novel ER tether named motile sperm domain-containing protein 2 (MOSPD2). We show that MOSPD2 possesses a Major Sperm Protein (MSP) domain which binds FFAT motifs and consequently allows membrane tethering in vitro MOSPD2 is an ER-anchored protein, and it interacts with several FFAT-containing tether proteins from endosomes, mitochondria, or Golgi. Consequently, MOSPD2 and these organelle-bound proteins mediate the formation of contact sites between the ER and endosomes, mitochondria, or Golgi. Thus, we characterized here MOSPD2, a novel tethering component related to VAP proteins, bridging the ER with a variety of distinct organelles.